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HHE Search Results
1060 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1981) U.S. Forest Service, Gasquet, California. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to asbestos (1332214) were surveyed during road construction operations (SIC-1611) in National Forest lands in Northern California. The date of the survey was not reported. The survey was requested by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service in San Francisco. Approximately 10 workers were assigned to each road crew. Personal and area air samples were collected during rock crushing operations at Blue Ridge. No asbestos was detected in any of the samples; the OSH... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to asbestos (1332214) were surveyed during road construction operations (SIC-1611) in National Forest lands in Northern California. The date of the survey was not reported. The survey was requested by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service in San Francisco. Approximately 10 workers were assigned to each road crew. Personal and area air samples were collected during rock crushing operations at Blue Ridge. No asbestos was detected in any of the samples; the OSHA standard for asbestos is 20 fibers per cubic centimeter with a ceiling concentration of 10 fibers per cubic centimeter. The author concludes that road construction workers in Northern California National Park lands probably are not exposed to an asbestos hazard, however he notes that sampling limitations precluded definite characterization of exposures. Additional sampling is recommended, along with noise exposure surveys and implementation of a hearing conservation program. The Forest Service should award grants to private contractors only when the contractors agree to abide by OSHA regulations regarding personal and area sampling.
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(1981) Westvaco Corp., Luke, Maryland. (Click to open report) Exposures to asbestos (1332214) were evaluated at the Piedmont Parts warehouse of the Westvaco, Corporation (SIC-4225) in Luke, Maryland on July 31, 1980. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the United Paper Industry Workers Union on behalf of Westvaco employees and the seven workers under contract to strip asbestos insulation from the warehouse. Insulation stripping processes were observed, but no air samples were collected. The seven workers from the contracted company received... (Click to show more)Exposures to asbestos (1332214) were evaluated at the Piedmont Parts warehouse of the Westvaco, Corporation (SIC-4225) in Luke, Maryland on July 31, 1980. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the United Paper Industry Workers Union on behalf of Westvaco employees and the seven workers under contract to strip asbestos insulation from the warehouse. Insulation stripping processes were observed, but no air samples were collected. The seven workers from the contracted company received safety and work process training before the work was begun, underwent preemployment chest X-rays and physical examinations, and used protective clothing and equipment. The insulation was wetted and removed, the surface was vacuumed and sprayed with a zinc based paint, and the asbestos was packed in plastic bags for delivery to an approved disposal site. Westvaco employees entered the warehouse without proper instruction about asbestos hazards or safety procedures. Parts stored in the warehouse were contaminated with asbestos fibers due to improper covering, and some of the doors and holes in the warehouse walls had not been properly sealed to prevent fugitive emissions. The workers also used respirators that were not properly equipped for asbestos exposure. The author concludes that the contractor was operating in accordance with applicable regulations concerning the removal and disposal of asbestos, however deficiencies existed in the personal protective procedures of Westvaco employees. Recommendations are included for controlling asbestos exposure and for worksite decontamination.
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(1980) A.M.F. Head Division, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling was conducted and blood samples were collected on March 25, 1980 at the A.M.F. Head Division (SIC-3949) at Boulder, Colorado, to determine employee exposures to toxic concentrations of lead (7439921). An evaluation request came from the health and safety department of A.M.F. Head Division on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. All breathing zone and general room air samples taken for lead were below the laboratory detection limits. Blood lead concentrations of the ... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling was conducted and blood samples were collected on March 25, 1980 at the A.M.F. Head Division (SIC-3949) at Boulder, Colorado, to determine employee exposures to toxic concentrations of lead (7439921). An evaluation request came from the health and safety department of A.M.F. Head Division on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. All breathing zone and general room air samples taken for lead were below the laboratory detection limits. Blood lead concentrations of the three workers in the racketball and tennis racket area were 15, 14, and 16 microgram lead per 100 grams, respectively; these values were well below the hygienic standards of 40 micrograms per 100 milliliters. The author concludes that no lead hazard exists at this facility. He recommends that smoking, eating, and drinking be prohibited in the work area, that workers wash their hands prior to eating or smoking, and that the current good housekeeping practices be continued.
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(1980) Airco Welding Products, Chester, West Virginia. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted on November 6, 1979 at the Airco Welding Products (SIC-3480) in Chester, West Virginia. An authorized representative of the employees requested the evaluation to investigate worker exposure to air contaminants while manufacturing welding wire. Environmental samples were taken during normal operating conditions for methylene-chloride (75092), carbon-monoxide (630080), iron-oxide (1309371), copper (7440508), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), ma... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted on November 6, 1979 at the Airco Welding Products (SIC-3480) in Chester, West Virginia. An authorized representative of the employees requested the evaluation to investigate worker exposure to air contaminants while manufacturing welding wire. Environmental samples were taken during normal operating conditions for methylene-chloride (75092), carbon-monoxide (630080), iron-oxide (1309371), copper (7440508), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), manganese (7439965), zirconium (7440677), molybdenum (7439987), silica (7631869), fluorides, hydrochloric-acid (7647010), and sulfuric-acid (7664939). Methylene- chloride concentrations ranged from 33 to 630 parts per million (ppm), with two samples exceeding the OSHA standard of 500ppm. Iron- oxide contractions were 7.4, 6.7, and 1.4 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) which were below the OSHA standard of 10mg/m3. Airborne measurements for manganese, fluorides, copper, hydrochloric-acid and sulfuric-acid were all below applicable standards. Personal breathing zone samples taken for free crystalline silica, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and zirconium were below the limits of detection. Interviews with 11 day shift employees revealed complaints associated with methylene-chloride exposure. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from exposures to methylene- chloride, carbon-monoxide, and iron-oxide. They recommend implementation of improved work practices, engineering controls, and the use of personal protective equipment.
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(1980) Alaska Husky Battery Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. (Click for full summary) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on January 7 and 10, 1980, to evaluate lead (7439921) exposure among employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries at Alaska Husky Battery, Incorporated (SIC-3691) in Anchorage, Alaska. The evaluation was requested by the owner on behalf of the seven affected workers. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 41 to 75 micrograms per deciliter measured at the NIOSH laboratory, and from 39 to 69 micrograms per deciliter measured at... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on January 7 and 10, 1980, to evaluate lead (7439921) exposure among employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries at Alaska Husky Battery, Incorporated (SIC-3691) in Anchorage, Alaska. The evaluation was requested by the owner on behalf of the seven affected workers. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 41 to 75 micrograms per deciliter measured at the NIOSH laboratory, and from 39 to 69 micrograms per deciliter measured at a NIOSH contract laboratory exceeding the recommended limit of 40 micrograms per deciliter. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations from 2,000 to 11,100 micrograms per liter of red blood cells were well above the normal range of 220 to 870. The 8 hour time weighted average breathing zone air lead on concentrations ranged from 41 to 1,700 (1,700) micrograms per cubic meter. Six of the eight samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. The four greatest concentrations occurred during the casting operation. The author concludes that employees are exposed to hazardous concentrations of lead dust and fume. He recommends that engineering controls and better work practices be implemented, that appropriate respirators be used, that each work area be vacuumed or washed on a regular basis, that no food, drinks, or cigarettes be consumed in the work area, that a changing room be provided, that protective gloves be used by workers handling the paste, and that blood lead concentrations be monitored monthly.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HHE-80-41-730.
(1980) Alaskan Battery Enterprises, Fairbanks, Alaska. (Click to open report) Worker exposure to lead (7439921) (Pb) at Alaskan Battery Enterprises (SIC-3691) in Fairbanks, Alaska were evaluated on January 8 to 10, 1980. An evaluation request came from the owner of the facility on behalf of the employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries. Personal and area air samples were collected, and workers were examined. Breathing zone air concentrations of Pb ranged from 111 to 1053 micrograms per cubic meter. All of the five 8 hour time weighted average atm... (Click to show more)Worker exposure to lead (7439921) (Pb) at Alaskan Battery Enterprises (SIC-3691) in Fairbanks, Alaska were evaluated on January 8 to 10, 1980. An evaluation request came from the owner of the facility on behalf of the employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries. Personal and area air samples were collected, and workers were examined. Breathing zone air concentrations of Pb ranged from 111 to 1053 micrograms per cubic meter. All of the five 8 hour time weighted average atmospheric Pb samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. General area Pb concentrations ranged from 25 to 129 micrograms per cubic meter. Blood Pb concentrations of 8 employees ranged from 43 to 87 micrograms per deciliter; several were greater than the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per deciliter. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was markedly elevated in all cases. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from exposure to Pb dust and fume. They recommend the implementation of engineering controls, respirator usage, personal hygiene and medical monitoring.
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(1980) American Can Company, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for nuisance dust and isopropyl- alcohol (67630) and aldehyde vapors; infrared radiation was measured; and medical interviews were conducted with affected workers at the American Can Company (SIC-2654) in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, from March 11 to 13, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the Chambersburg Printing Specialists and Paper Products Union on behalf of an unspecified number of employers. Thirteen of the 20 employees interviewed complained of eye p... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for nuisance dust and isopropyl- alcohol (67630) and aldehyde vapors; infrared radiation was measured; and medical interviews were conducted with affected workers at the American Can Company (SIC-2654) in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, from March 11 to 13, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the Chambersburg Printing Specialists and Paper Products Union on behalf of an unspecified number of employers. Thirteen of the 20 employees interviewed complained of eye problems and 6 complained about dust. Concentrations of dust ranged from 0.22 to 0.84 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), which was less than the OSHA evaluation criteria of 15mg/CuM. Concentrations of isopropyl- alcohol ranged from 193 to 422mg/CuM, which was below the OSHA standard of 980mg/CuM. Maximum irradiance on one press was 3 times greater than values recorded at 4.8 meters on the floor. The total irradiance on the catwalk of another press was 5.9 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) and the maximum luminance was 10,000 femtolumens. Infrared irradiance levels were below 10mW/cm2, which is the proposed American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists guideline for cataract induction. Concentrations of aldehydes did not exceed the evaluation criteria of 1.2mg/CuM of air sampled proposed by NIOSH. The authors conclude that no hazard exists as a result of exposure to nuisance dust, isopropyl-alcohol and aldehydes, but there is a real potential for the infrared dryers to cause dry lips and eyes. They recommend that infrared dryers be provided with additional shielding, and that exposed workers be provided with protection and be given eye examinations.
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(1980) Baumer Radiator Works, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental samples to measure airborne particulates and lead (7439921), and blood samples to assess lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) content were taken at the Baumer Radiator Works (SIC-7539) in Denver, Colorado, on August 7, 1979. An evaluation request came from the owner and manager of the facility to determine the hazards from lead fumes and nuisance dust for an unspecified number of employees. One worker and the manager were exposed to airborne lead concentrations of 100 and... (Click to show more)Environmental samples to measure airborne particulates and lead (7439921), and blood samples to assess lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) content were taken at the Baumer Radiator Works (SIC-7539) in Denver, Colorado, on August 7, 1979. An evaluation request came from the owner and manager of the facility to determine the hazards from lead fumes and nuisance dust for an unspecified number of employees. One worker and the manager were exposed to airborne lead concentrations of 100 and 50 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. The OSHA standard for lead is 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 29 to 65 micrograms per 100 milliliters (ml), and FEP concentrations ranged from 926 to 2,212 micrograms per liter of red blood cells. The normal range for blood lead is below 40 micrograms per 100 ml, and for FEP it is 220 to 870 micrograms per liter of red blood cells. Airborne particulate concentrations were below the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter. The author concludes that a health hazard due to lead exposure existed at this facility, and had existed for the past several months. Recommendations resulting from the evaluation include improvements to housekeeping and personal hygiene practices, and use of local exhaust ventilation during the soldering process.
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(1980) Bertoia Studio, Bally, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling and medical interviews were conducted on May 10, June 20, and August 1, 1979, at Bertoia Studio (SIC-1799) in Bally, Pennsylvania, to determine employee exposures to beryllium (7440417) dust, cadmium (7440439) fumes, and soluble fluorides. The evaluation request came from the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Samples for the three test compounds were below the limits of detection, and below the current OSHA 8 hour time weighted average standards o... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling and medical interviews were conducted on May 10, June 20, and August 1, 1979, at Bertoia Studio (SIC-1799) in Bally, Pennsylvania, to determine employee exposures to beryllium (7440417) dust, cadmium (7440439) fumes, and soluble fluorides. The evaluation request came from the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Samples for the three test compounds were below the limits of detection, and below the current OSHA 8 hour time weighted average standards of 2 micrograms per cubic meter (/m3) for beryllium dust, 0.1 milligrams (mg)/m3 for cadmium fumes, and 2.5mg/m3 for fluorides. The authors conclude that no hazardous exposures were identified. The use of safety glasses and disposable protective clothing was recommended, along with improved personal hygiene habits.
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(1980) Brookhaven IRS Service Center, Holtzville, New York. (Click for full summary) Worker exposures to various chemicals were surveyed on February 27 and June 18 to 20, 1980 at the Brookhaven Internal Revenue Service Center (SIC-9311) in Holtzville, New York. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the General Services Administration to determine the cause of worker health complaints. Workers were interviewed and air samples were collected and analyzed for nitrous- oxides, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), formaldehyde (50000), carbon- monoxide (630080), dust, and total or... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to various chemicals were surveyed on February 27 and June 18 to 20, 1980 at the Brookhaven Internal Revenue Service Center (SIC-9311) in Holtzville, New York. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the General Services Administration to determine the cause of worker health complaints. Workers were interviewed and air samples were collected and analyzed for nitrous- oxides, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), formaldehyde (50000), carbon- monoxide (630080), dust, and total organics. Workers reported symptoms of burning eyes, sore throat, sinus irritation, nausea, dizziness, metallic taste, and headaches, and complained of uncomfortable workroom temperatures, poor ventilation, and lack of fresh air. Exposures to nitrous-oxide (10024972), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide, carbon-monoxide, formaldehyde, mineral spirits total nuisance dust, and respirable nuisance dust were below respective OSHA standards of 25 parts per million (ppm), 5ppm, 50ppm, 50ppm, 3ppm, 500ppm, 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), and 5mg/m3. Stack emissions were suggested as the source of the workers' complaints. The authors recommend increasing the stack height and installing gas trapping devices in roof drains to prevent vapor backflow.
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